Raising Girls and Helpful info

Listened to this interview and found I agree with a lot of it. I have always been bothered by words printed on the butt of girls (little little girls') clothing...this is only one small point of the author's book, but speaks to something much bigger in our culture.

Investing in our children's "spiritual core" is so important. I've been thinking about specific ways to do this in our home.

• Reading about heroic, holy, strong women and girls
  
• Talking about modesty and pointing out what is and is not modest
• Providing lots of opportunities for open conversation about what is going on in their life and what they think about it
• Responding immediately as a mom when they ask a question, express the desire to spend time with me
• Encouraging their own prayer life
• Encouraging them to write down or capture their memories, what is important to them
• Allow for good one on one relationships with other strong and wise women (encouraging Kate to play tennis with Aunt Jill, for example)
• Help them think through decisions and using their free will to make the best choices based on the unique individual they are

There are lots more....any other ideas out there?

A cold and cold weather

Well Maddie has been home sick with a fever and cold for three days now. With only one or two instances of strep EVER in our home, I am convinced it is a virus and will fade away. Had hoped to get to more gardening done this week and weekend, but the temp has dropped and wind is something fierce. I can really understand why "they" say to wait to plant until after Mother's Day. So, for now we wait patiently for health and pray against anyone else getting sick. The weekend is packed with fun, service and fellowship. I hope it can all be accomplished.

Yesterday I went through each room of the house looking for those items that we absolutely do NOT need or use. I have a small pile saved up to sell at our garage sale in two weeks. I like our small spaces since we cannot have much anyway, but I always look for new ways to be efficient or streamline our things and spaces. I usually use the rule that if it hasn't been used in one year, it probably will not be used again. I rarely regret getting rid of anything with this method of downsizing/cleaning house.

What a Wedding Weekend!

We'll get to say that TWO more times this summer! It was a blessing to celebrate this past Saturday and witness the marriage of two awesome people. Anna is now in the books as Anna Reinke! Maddie, Kate and Izzy eagerly anticipated their role as flower girls and were lavished with attention and praise from their aunts and uncles. Ben and I got in our traditional one time "Brown Eyed Girl" dance. A wonderful day!

Lunch time Entertainment - Aewsome!

Pieta, Izzy and I met Birdie at St. Thomas and watched a trio of drummers from a group here in town that practices and performs Japanese drumming. They were fun to watch and each member of the group shared and taught about the history, cultural significance and ins and outs of making and playing the drums. A free Japanese lunch accompanied the presentation. A fun outing with the girls.

If Only We Had 1,000 Hours...

... we too may have been able to create this masterpiece and winner of this year's peeps diorama contest. We have already begun strategizing for our entry next year. Now for the time...